"The best part of Christmas.."

Daily, I'm learning from my kids. They make me think of what's really important and yesterday was no exception.
I was driving through the snow to a nearby. With my kids with me, we were starting to see sights of Christmas activity from the lights being strung onto homes as we pass by to wreaths on doors. A definite favorite time for me...not to mention the beautiful falling snow.
I love Christmas time. Not a huge fan of the presents or should I say the expectation of gifts. I find no joy in giving due to fearing a negative reaction. I grew up with a more relaxed idea of Christmas I suppose, when someone thought of you and wanted to bless you with a gift, a hug or their time. I have of lately come to dread this festive celebration and I have been asking God how we, as a family, can ponder Christmas with fun and thoughtfulness without hurting others' expectations and those wrong motives that we have that seem to creep into this special time of year.
Anyways, back to my drive...my daugther and I were discussing the best part of Christmas...
"Is it the presents?," I ask.
"No," she states with confidence.
"...the decorations?"
"No."
"...the cookies? gingerbread houses? snowmen? lights twinkling at night? making people smile? Jesus' birthday party?"
"No. No. No." she said sounding bored that I'm just not getting IT.
I am trying to think of her best part of Christmas...she's been part of my life for 5 years, I'm thinking I should know her better than my whimpy guesses.
"Mommy, my best part of Christmas is that I can breathe. It's my favorite thing."
It's quiet in the van. I ponder her response. I am humbled. Perhaps it was one of her teachers that suggested that or something she overheard in a conversation or seeing her grandpa recently in the hospital or perhaps she came up with it on her own.
Needless to say, God is answering my prayers daily as to how to celebrate this season. Life. Thankfulness. Children. Ability to look beyond my selfishness, witness the faith of a child and grow more in love with My Giver Of Life.